Veterinarian at Ladysmith Animal Hospital

About the Role

Ladysmith Animal Hospital is welcoming a Veterinarian to join a team of highly engaged and professional veterinary professionals. You'll assess patients to diagnose and address their health needs, working closely with pet owners and support teams to deliver the highest standard of care. You'll be proficient in operating medical equipment and performing a wide range of procedures—from physical examinations and immunizations to surgery—while taking pride in expert, compassionate patient care.

This is a full-time position based in Ladysmith, BC, offering the opportunity to build a rewarding career on beautiful Vancouver Island. The role includes mentoring DVM students during externships and summer placements, as well as supporting Veterinary Technicians in their professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and diagnose patients; provide clear guidance and education to pet owners on nutrition, preventative care, and medical treatments
• Perform routine spay and neuter surgeries
• Perform soft tissue surgical procedures: wound management, skin tumours, subcutaneous masses, soft tissue sarcomas, cystotomy, and hernia repairs
• Perform dental scaling, cleaning, and extractions for fractures, loose, or damaged teeth
• Plan and prescribe pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing surgical procedures
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records
• Work effectively within a team-based veterinary medicine environment, recognizing the importance of every role in delivering exceptional client and patient care
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to DVM students and Veterinary Technicians throughout their veterinary education journey

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine License from an accredited program (valid to practice in British Columbia)
• Full License requirement
• Confident in your ability to diagnose, treat, and perform routine procedures while continuing to grow your skills
• Demonstrated flexibility to accept walk-in patients when required
• Able to confidently perform routine spay and neuter surgeries
• Capable in soft tissue surgery and veterinary dentistry
• Strong communication skills and the ability to educate and support pet owners with care, empathy, and compassion
• Excited to work in a team-based practice, understanding that every role contributes to excellent patient care
• Committed to maintaining accurate and thorough medical records

Benefits

• $10,000 signing bonus
• $5,000 moving allowance
• Compensation: $100,000 to $150,000 base salary with option for additional earning potential through production-based compensation model
• RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program—a six-month tailored mentorship program with ongoing support
• Medical Library Access: 2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more
• Continuing education benefits
• Career and leadership opportunities
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Referral bonus rewards
• Paid wellness days, paid sick days, paid vacation time
• Employee assistance programs
• E-tools to assist with meditation, better sleep, exercise, and focus
• Virtual health care offering quick access to quality care
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Opportunities to give back in your community through VCA Canada initiatives

About the Practice

Ladysmith Animal Hospital is part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities for nearly 45 years. VCA Canada operates with compassion for the neighbourhoods they serve and every pet within them. Each hospital location takes pride in its legacy of excellence, earning the trust of pet owners by delivering the highest quality of medicine to keep pets happy and healthy.

In 2017, VCA Canada became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, solidifying an even stronger commitment to ensuring the strength and stability of the veterinary profession and their commitment to pet parents nationwide. VCA Canada is passionate about providing an industry-leading Associate experience to over 4,000 Canadians employed across the country. In 2026, for the third year in a row, the organization was named one of Alberta's Top Employers, recognizing exceptional places to work. Additionally, VCA Canada was selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026.